India @ Cannes l #BNHAF @ Film USA Pav

By - Aanya

The 25th Edition of #BNHAF Awards and Festival kicked off in style at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, with multiple events across pavilions, hotels and plages.

#BNHAF's Artistic Director, Amit R Agrwal, met with the Palm Beach Film Commissioner, the very effervescent, Michelle Hillery and discussed about setting up a film project at the beautiful and scenic locales of Palm Beach county, Florida, USA.

Agrwal presented Hillery with the poster of the 25th Edition of #BNHAF Awards and Festival, and #TKMU Season 2, that was showcased. Agrwal, also announced 90% fee-waiver to all film-makers from the beautiful county of Palm Beach at the upcoming Gala Edition of #BNHAF Awards and Festival 

Agrwal also gifted the sponsor gift from the Indian Jewelry brand, Gem Mines to Michelle Hillery.

Amit Gupta, Founder, Gem Mines said, "We are the best in our category of jewelry worldwide, and it is a pleasure to gift few of our iconic jewelry items to the very best at the Cannes Film Festival".

Agrwal hoped that very soon, he and his circle of film-makers will be visiting Palm Beach to explore filming opportunities.

Press Release l Ministry of Defence

• GRADUATION CEREMONY OF 48TH FLIGHT TEST COURSE

Eleven Test Pilots and Six Flight Test Engineers of the 48th Flight Test Course graduated from the Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS) in Bengaluru on 23 May 26 post completion of a rigorous 48 weeks multi-discipline training curriculum. This year, the graduating course, comprised of a cohort of 17 officers including 14 officers from Indian Air Force, one officer from Indian Army and two officers from Indian Navy. From here on, the graduates will join the Aviation Wing of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, which is one of the premier units of the Indian Air Force.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh PVSM AVSM, Chief of the Air Staff and a distinguished alumnus of the 17th Flight Test Course, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He presented certificates to all graduating officers and awarded trophies to the meritorious performers. This year, the prestigious "Suranjan Das Trophy" for the best all-round student Test Pilot was awarded to Sqn Ldr KK Singh, VM, while the "Chief of the Air Staff Trophy" for the best student Test Pilot in flight evaluation was awarded to Sqn Ldr Aditya Jamdagni. The "Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword" for the best all round student Flight Test Engineer was awarded to ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Wg Cdr Abhinav Kumar. Wg Cdr Pranav Sharma was awarded the "Dunlop Trophy" for best student Flight Test Engineer in flight evaluation and the" Kapil Bhargava Trophy" for the best student in ground subjects was awarded to Sqn Ldr Paras Sharma.

While addressing the house on the occasion, the Chief Guest exhorted the graduating officers to continue toiling hard with focus, and reminded them of the crucial role that they would go on to play towards capability building and modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces. 

Emphasising 'Atmanirbharta' as a strategic necessity for developing resilient indigenous defence capabilities, the CAS highlighted the onerous responsibility that the test crew needs to shoulder to proliferate the nation's indigenisation drive and strengthen the aerospace ecosystem. He emphasized the need to optimize design to delivery' time cycles while upholding highest standards of safety and quality of equipment. He further stressed the importance of professional competence to ensure that aircraft and systems meet the operational requirements of the services, while urging the officers to uphold the virtues of honesty, integrity, precision and excellence.

Press Release l Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

• Raksha Khadse Visits Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) Assam and High Performance Centre; Interacts with Athletes and Reviews Sports Science Facilities

Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Khadse today visited the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) Assam and the High Performance Centre in Guwahati, where she interacted with athletes, coaches, sports science experts, and officials while reviewing the growing high-performance sports ecosystem in the Northeast.

During the visit, Raksha Khadse toured various training and rehabilitation facilities at the High Performance Centre, including sports science laboratories, recovery and rehabilitation units, physiological and biomechanical assessment facilities, and athlete support systems. The visit highlighted the increasing integration of sports science, technology, and data-driven athlete development in India’s sporting ecosystem.

The Minister was accompanied during the visit by Kausar Jamil Hilaly, Special Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Welfare; Ankur Bharali, Director, Department of Sports and Youth Welfare; D.K. Mittal, Regional Director, SAI Guwahati; the High Performance Manager of KISCE Assam; along with senior officials from the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare.

Interacting with athletes across disciplines, Raksha Khadse appreciated their dedication and commitment and encouraged them to continue striving towards excellence with discipline and determination. She also emphasized the Government’s continued focus on strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure and creating world-class training environments for athletes across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Raksha Khadse said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is witnessing a transformative expansion in sports infrastructure, athlete support systems, and scientific training methodologies. She noted that centres such as Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) Assam and the High Performance Centre are playing a crucial role in nurturing talent and preparing athletes for international success.

The High Performance Centre has emerged as an important sports science and rehabilitation facility in the region, equipped with modern systems for injury management, recovery, physiological testing, motion analysis, and performance enhancement.

Raksha Khadse also reviewed ongoing athlete development programmes under the Khelo India ecosystem and discussed the importance of strengthening pathways for young athletes from the Northeast to compete at national and international levels.

The visit reflected the Government’s broader vision of building a scientifically driven, athlete-centric, and globally competitive sporting ecosystem as India moves towards its long-term sporting ambitions, including the Commonwealth Games 2030 and beyond.

Press Release l Ministry of Steel

• NMDC Launches Summer Camp for 1700 Children in Dakshin Bastar

In a unique grassroots initiative designed to nurture children from the tribal communities, NMDC has launched Summer Camps across 17 villages in Dantewada district from 20 May to 15 June 2026.

This initiative is expected to engage around 1700 children during their summer vacations in experiential learning, creativity and sports. While activities have commenced in most villages, mobilisation efforts to enhance batch strength are underway. At present, daily attendance at the NMDC Summer Camp ranges from 30 to 40 children in each village.

These children spend three to four enriching hours engaged in reading, craftwork, and music workshops, followed by spirited games of frisbee, kabaddi, and kho-kho, and conclude the day by sharing healthy refreshments.

Executed in partnership with WOSCA, an organisation working in the field of education and community development, the Summer Camps are creating a safe and encouraging environment for the next generation in Bastar to thrive.

In rural communities where access to structured creative learning opportunities remains limited, NMDC’s intervention is bridging this gap by investing in the potential and aspirations at the grassroots level. As part of its broader commitment to village development, the initiative nurtures social and lateral skills among children from underserved communities, helping them grow into confident, self-assured youth.

Community participation is steadily growing in the villages where the Summer Camps have been launched, with keen response from children, parents and local stakeholders. As the initiative expands in the coming weeks, NMDC encourages families and community members to take an active part in making this a vibrant summer for Dantewada.

प्रेस विज्ञप्ति l चीनी उद्योग के विकासोन्मुख भविष्य की तैयारी

उत्तर प्रदेश में गन्ना व चीनी उद्योग के भविष्य पर चर्चा के लिए 21-22 मई 2026 को लखनऊ में दो दिवसीय अंतरराष्ट्रीय संगोष्ठी आयोजित की जा रही है। यूपी शुगर मिल्स एसोसिएशन और ग्रीनटेक, कानपुर के संयुक्त तत्वाधान में कानपुर रोड स्थित रामादा होटल में होने वाली इस संगोष्ठी का विषय है ‘चीनी उद्योग के विकासोन्मुख भविष्य की तैयारी’।

कार्यक्रम की जानकारी देते हुए राष्ट्रीय शर्करा संस्थान के पूर्व निदेशक प्रोफेसर नरेंद्र मोहन ने बताया कि संगोष्ठी का उद्घाटन 21 मई सुबह 10 बजे होगा। कार्यक्रम की मुख्य अतिथि उत्तर प्रदेश सरकार की अपर मुख्य सचिव गन्ना विकास व चीनी उद्योग वीना कुमारी होंगी। उन्होंने बताया कि पहले दिन उद्घाटन के बाद चार सत्रों में विभिन्न विषयों पर चर्चा होगी। दूसरे दिन तीन सत्र आयोजित किए जाएंगे। संगोष्ठी में भारत सहित विदेशों के विशेषज्ञ और विद्वान अपने विचार रखेंगे। कार्यक्रम में लगभग 10 देशों के प्रतिनिधि हिस्सा लेने आ रहे हैं। इस मौके पर संगोष्ठी के साथ-साथ नई प्रौद्योगिकियों की प्रदर्शनी भी लगाई जाएगी, जिसमें कृषि संयंत्र और बायो-प्लास्टिक्स संबंधी उत्पाद भी दिखाए जाएंगे।

लक्ष्य से काफी पीछे रह गया चीनी निर्यात

पत्रकारों से बात करते हुए नरेंद्र मोहन ने कहा कि बीते सत्र में 20 लाख टन चीनी के निर्यात का लक्ष्य रखा गया था। लेकिन केवल 7 लाख टन चीनी का निर्यात हो सका। उन्होंने बताया कि देश में चीनी की कुल खपत 275 से 280 लख टन है। इसके बाद जो एक्सेस चीनी बचती है उसका इस्तेमाल एथनॉल के लिए किया जाता है और उसके बाद भी चीनी बचती है तो उसे निर्यात किया जाता है। पिछले सत्र में उत्पादन कम रहा, जिसकी वजह से 20 के स्थान पर केवल 7 लाख टन ही चीनी का निर्यात हो सका। निर्यात पर रोक लगने के बाद इस बार ये आंकड़ा और भी कम हो जाएगा, जिससे चीनी के दाम घट सकते हैं।

India @ Cannes l #BNHAF @ Georgia Pav

By - Rani S.

The 25th Edition of #BNHAF Awards and Festival kicked off in style at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, with multiple events across hotels, plages and pavilions.

#BNHAF also went to the Georgia Pavilion located in Village International where Levan Dvali, Director of Programs, Georgia National Film Center and Lika Jalagonia, Film Export Specialist, spoke to Amit R Agrwal about future collaborations to boost India-Georgia ties.

Speaking to Bhaarat Bol News, Levan stated that Georgia is a beautiful country and many Indians are already visiting Georgia, "but I want more Indians and more Indian productions to come to Georgia", he smiled.

After the meeting, the poster of 25th Edition of #BNHAF Awards and Festival, and #TKMU Season 2, was showcased. Amit also took the opportunity to present the sponsor gift from the Indian Jewelry brand, Gem Mines to Levan and Lika.

Rekha Vohraa, Honorary Jury, #BNHAF said, she is happy to be instrumental in nurturing talent in different countries. She hoped that very soon she would lead an Indian contingent to the very beautiful Georgia.

Amit Gupta, Founder, Gem Mines said, "it is always a pleasure to support new talent, particularly at one of the biggest film-festivals, Cannes".

Amit R Agrwal, Artistic Director, of #BNHAF Awards and Festival also announced 100% fee-waiver to all film-makers from the beautiful country of Georgia to foster Indo-Georgia film and cultural ties.

Advertorial l DJI Debuts Osmo Pocket 4P at Cannes Film Festival

Founder of Bhaarat Bol News & #BNHAF Awards and Festival, Amit kumaR Agarwal was recently at the DJI's launch party. The pitch-perfect party was the ideal launch-pad for the Osmo Pocket 4P, marking a new milestone in DJI’s evolution of handheld cinematic imaging.

It may be recalled that Agarwal at Cannes Film Festival is promoting, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi's vision of सर्वजन सुखाय सर्वजन हिताय, with #BNHAF Awards and Festival - the call to Indian roots. Only film festival in the world, that promotes Sanskrit films and content.

Brief History of DJI

Starting 2015, DJI started creating the gimbal camera category. Taking a step further, DJI introduced one of the world’s 1st pocket-sized gimbal cameras in 2018.

With the growth of creator economy, DJI has continuously redefined how creators capture motion and tell stories. In fact, DJI products are the first go-to products by a growing number of youngsters worldwide, particularly in India.

In Cannes, today, with the Osmo Pocket 4P, DJI is entering a new era of cinematic handheld gimbal systems, where professional-grade filmmaking capabilities meet true pocket-sized portability.

In Cannes, the Osmo Pocket 4P is already being explored by filmmakers, documentary creators, and visual storytellers seeking agile, high-quality production tools. Its compact form, paired with cinematic imaging performance, positions it as a compelling companion for independent filmmakers and a powerful storytelling device for documentary work. The Cannes debut reinforces the idea that cinematic storytelling is no longer confined to large-scale rigs but can now exist on a device small enough to carry anywhere.

DJI states that the Osmo Pocket 4P has some very impressive specifications that are geared toward professional use. It’s designed to deliver cinematic-level dynamic range for rich tonal depth alongside 10-bit D-Log2 color performance for professional color grading workflows. Combined with DJI’s advanced stabilization, the device brings professional cinema capabilities into a truly pocket-sized form factor.

Following the global success of its predecessor, the Osmo Pocket 4P builds on a growing movement in which compact cameras are reshaping how stories are created and shared. Its Cannes debut highlights its potential to influence the future of cinematic vlogging, inspire a new generation of mobile-first filmmakers, and lead global trends in portrait-driven visual storytelling. With seamless integration into DJI’s broader creative ecosystem, including audio and stabilization solutions, the Osmo Pocket 4P enables creators to build complete, professional workflows within an ultra-portable setup.

DJI’s ecosystem now spans cinema cameras, cinema drones, professional stabilizers, gimbal cameras, and portable power solutions, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering an integrated approach to modern film and content production. At the event, the DJI Power 1000 Mini, launched in April, and the DJI Power 2000 were also showcased as power solutions for the Osmo Pocket 4P, demonstrating how DJI’s broader product ecosystem can support creators with more flexible and reliable production workflows. Together, these solutions underscore DJI’s vision of building a complete and professional creative ecosystem for storytellers.

Written by - Aanya

May 14, 2026 l Cannes, France

Straight From Cannes Film Festival 2026 l 1

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

Even as Alia Bhatt turned heads around (did she?); as she walked the Red Carpet for the Opening Film of the 2026 edition of the coveted Cannes Film Festival; the buzz amongst the Cannes-astes was, will the diva of Indian cinema; will that one person that put Cannes firmly ingrained in the psyche of India's who's who, Aishwarya Rai, walk the Red Carpet at the 79th Edition!

While experts aver she will; L'Oréal, the brand that got Aishwarya Rai to Cannes every year - raised many eyebrows by excluding Aishwarya Rai from their teaser campaign of the brands presence at Cannes - setting many tongues wagging.

Whether Ash walks the Red Capet or not - is not the point. The point is, who will fill the iconic shoes with which, Aishwarya Rai left indelible footprints on the Cannes Red Carpet - so much so that the big '3' - THR, Screen and Variety featured only Ash, and almost never, any other Indian actress.

#BNHAF 25th Edition has multiple launches

By - Aanya

The first 20-delegates at the Cannes Film Festival get a flat $12 fees for short films under 12-minutes. Use code BNFIC12 while applying in the category #BNHAF Shorts under 12 minutes

The cult and the most reputed Awards and Festival, #BNHAF kicks off it's 25th Edition in Doha, Qatar and France - Paris, Montpellier and Cannes in May 2026.

Kiaan, an awardee from the USA and who won the award in 2023, thanked #BNHAF again and talked about the way award made him a star in his school in the USA.

The 25th Edition culminates in Italy - Rome, and the Calabria region in South of Italy in June - July 2026.

Press Release l African American Women in Cinema (AAWIC) @ Cannes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gina Logan

African American Women in Cinema (AAWIC)

Email: info@aawic.org

Phone: +1-347-310-3445

African American Women in Cinema Announces

“The Politics of Black Women in Film” Panel and Educational Mini-Tour at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.”

High-profile discussion and VIP reception at Pavillon AfroNova to center the voices, artistry, and leadership of Black women in global cinema.

CANNES, FRANCE — African American Women in Cinema (AAWIC) proudly announces its signature keynote panel, “The Politics of Black Women in Film,” taking place during the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Pavillon AfroNova in Cannes, France.

This timely and dynamic conversation will explore the intersections of culture, authorship, representation, and power in the global film industry while centering the voices and leadership of Black women shaping contemporary cinema and media.

The event marks the official launch of AAWIC’s educational mini-tour, which will continue with upcoming engagements in New York, Nashville, and Washington, D.C. The initiative is designed to elevate dialogue, expand visibility, and foster collaboration among filmmakers, executives, creatives, scholars, and cultural leaders worldwide.

Moderated by Emmy-nominated editor Princess A. Hairston, whose acclaimed work spans PBS, Netflix, Sundance, and major political and cultural campaigns, the panel will feature distinguished industry leaders including:

• Lamonia Brown — Entertainment executive and film festival strategist recognized for shaping major cultural film platforms and developing content ecosystems across television, festivals, and studio initiatives.

• Dr. A’Cire Newby — Award-winning filmmaker, media personality, and advocate whose multifaceted career spans radio, film production, television, and activism focused on women’s empowerment.

Together, the panelists will engage in thought-provoking dialogue examining both the challenges faced and the triumphs achieved by Black women across the international film landscape.

Following the discussion, guests will attend an exclusive VIP Reception designed to encourage networking, relationship-building, and future collaborations among filmmakers, producers, executives, media professionals, and cultural influencers attending the Cannes Film Festival.

2501 Grand Concourse, 3rd Fl, Bronx, N.Y. 10468

Event Schedule

• Panel Discussion: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CET

• VIP Reception: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM CET

• Location: Pavillon AfroNova, Cannes, France

• Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026

“This program is about amplifying Black women’s voices in global cinema while creating meaningful spaces for dialogue, visibility, and industry advancement,” said Terra Renee, AAWIC President. “Through this panel and educational tour, we aim to inspire collaboration, challenge inequities, and celebrate the transformative impact of Black women in film.”

Sponsors supporting the initiative include Women Connect 4 Good, iOne Digital, ImageNation, National Urban League (NUL), and St. Johns.

About AAWIC

African American Women in Cinema (AAWIC) is dedicated to supporting, empowering, and advancing women filmmakers and creatives of African descent through education, mentorship, programming, and global visibility initiatives that amplify diverse storytelling in film, television, and digital media.

Press Release l Ministry of Culture

• Pavilion of India at the 61st International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia 2026
• The Pavilion of India opens Geographies of Distance: remembering home, an exhibition exploring memory and belonging in a rapidly transforming world
• Presented by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in partnership with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) and Serendipity Arts
• The group show features new large-scale sculpture and installations by Alwar Balasubramaniam (Bala), Ranjani Shettar, Sumakshi Singh, Skarma Sonam Tashi, and Asim Waqif, curated by Dr. Amin Jaffer
• The exhibition marks India’s return to the Biennale Arte since 2019
• Venice (Isolotto, Arsenale), 9 May - 22 November 2026 | Previews: 6, 7, 8 May 2026

The Pavilion of India was opened to the public today at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in the presence of Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism; Mr. Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, President of La Biennale di Venezia; Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; H.E. Vani Rao, Ambassador of India to Italy.

Smt. Nita M. Ambani; Smt. Isha Ambani; and Shri Sunil Kant Munjal were also present on the occasion.

The opening featured remarks by Dr. Amin Jaffer, H.E. Vani Rao, Shri Vivek Aggarwal, and Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, said:

“Geographies of Distance: remembering home presents a contemporary India that is both rooted and forward looking. As our nation continues to evolve, this Pavilion reflects the strength of our cultural memory and the power of artistic expression to connect India with the world.”

Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, said:

“This exhibition brings together artists whose practices engage deeply with questions of memory, material and transformation. Their work reflects the realities of a rising India while contributing to a broader global dialogue on belonging and identity.”

Dr. Amin Jaffer, Curator, said:

“In response to In Minor Keys, this exhibition explores home as an emotional and material condition rather than a fixed place. Through fragile, organic materials and deeply personal narratives, the artists reflect on how memory, migration, and change shape our understanding of belonging.”

The Pavilion of India presents Geographies of Distance: remembering home, curated by Dr. Amin Jaffer and presented by the Ministry of Culture in partnership with NMACC and Serendipity Arts. Featuring works by Alwar Balasubramaniam (Bala), Ranjani Shettar, Sumakshi Singh, Skarma Sonam Tashi and Asim Waqif, the exhibition explores ideas of memory, migration, materiality and belonging through contemporary artistic practices rooted in Indian cultural traditions.

Exhibition Highlights

Not Just for Us - Alwar Balasubramaniam (Bala)

Sculptural panels made from clay and soil from rural Tamil Nadu explore memory, environmental change, and the passage of time.

Under the same sky - Ranjani Shettar

Suspended sculptural forms inspired by flowers and natural growth create an immersive environment reflecting nature, craft, and emotional belonging.

Permanent Address - Sumakshi Singh

A life-sized reconstruction of the artist’s demolished family home in New Delhi, created using embroidered thread, reflects on memory, domestic space, and absence.

Echoes of Home - Skarma Sonam Tashi

Using papier-mâché and references to Ladakhi architecture, the installation examines ecology, sustainability, and cultural continuity.

Chaal - Asim Waqif

A large-scale bamboo installation inspired by urban scaffolding reflects ideas of transition, renewal, and change in contemporary Indian cities.

Performance Programme

A performance programme curated by Serendipity Arts will accompany the exhibition across Venice from May to November 2026, featuring interdisciplinary presentations inspired by Indian cultural traditions and the Biennale theme In Minor Keys.

Credits

Geographies of Distance: remembering home

Commissioner: Ministry of Culture

Curator: Dr. Amin Jaffer

Organising Partners: Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre and Serendipity Arts

Exhibitors: Alwar Balasubramaniam (Bala), Sumakshi Singh, Ranjani Shettar, Asim Waqif and Skarma Sonam Tashi

Venue: Arsenale

Press Release l Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

• “Grassroots Sports Can Shape Young Leaders and Transform Communities": Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
• “Sports Gives Direction to Youth and Strengthens Society”: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
• Special Screening of ‘Bicharpur – Junoon Football Ka’ Highlights Transformative Power of Grassroots Sports

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya attended the special screening of the documentary 'Bicharpur – Junoon Football Ka', a film capturing inspiring stories from grassroots football and the transformative role of sports in society.

Addressing the gathering after the screening, the Minister underlined how sports can shape young minds and provide meaningful direction to youth. He said that sports is not merely a competition, but a way of life that strengthens culture, discipline, mental ability and collective spirit.

“Twenty-five years ago, many youngsters were moving in the wrong direction, but when they became connected with sports, their lives changed. Sports gives direction to young leaders and channels their energy positively,” Dr. Mandaviya said.

Highlighting the larger social impact of community participation in sports, the Minister referred to the example of the Kodava community of Coorg and their deep-rooted hockey culture. He said such community-driven sporting movements help build unity, discipline, collective responsibility and national pride.

“Sports develops a sense of togetherness and contribution towards the nation. While individuals pursue sports for themselves, they also bring glory to the country,” he added.

Speaking about the importance of storytelling and preserving such journeys, Dr. Mandaviya stressed the need for documentation of grassroots sporting stories. “When any effort gets documented, it becomes inspirational. Such stories can guide and motivate youth and entire communities,” he said.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of recognition and encouragement in sports. He noted that platforms which honour talent help build self-confidence among youth and ultimately contribute towards national pride.